Question:
I cannot find a bariatic doctor listed in my mannual.

If there is not one can I get help trying to get Pacific Care to approved working with a doctor outside the group?    — terry A. (posted on January 16, 2001)

January 16, 2001
Where are you located?
   — vitalady

January 16, 2001
I was refered outside of my medical group to a doctor for the surgery. It took a while because they had to contract with the doctor and with the hospital. But I have bc/bs HMO California Care. But they must contract outside of your medical group if the surgery is covered and they don't have a doctor to do it.
   — sydnieb

January 16, 2001
There are many bariatric surgeons in California who accept PacifiCare HMOinsurance, but you need a referral from your PCP. PacifiCare covers the cost of surgery in full if you meet National Institutes of Health guidelines. E-mail me at [email protected] for specifics.
   — Linda B.

January 18, 2001
I dont know if this is exactally what you are referring to but I didnt think that I had a bariatric surgeon listed in my book either, but what I did was go to www.asbs.org and got the list of surgeons that is in my state and cross checked them to my insurance book. What I found is that I did have bariatric surgeons in my plan but they were listed under different specialties such as general surgeon. Good luck in you search. -Tanya
   — Tanya P.